The arrival period at feedlots is one of the highest-risk phases for cattle welfare, with stress from transport, commingling, dietary change, and disease exposure converging to cause significant health and welfare problems if not carefully managed.
Feedlot arrival is a perfect storm of welfare stressors that compromises immune function and increases disease susceptibility. Low-stress handling throughout the receiving process reduces cortisol spikes that suppress immunity. Providing high-quality water immediately on arrival and transitioning to feedlot rations gradually reduces digestive upset. Minimising the number of processing procedures performed on arrival day reduces cumulative stress. Close observation in receiving pens with daily health checks allows early identification of respiratory disease, when treatment is most effective. Producers who invest in receiving management reduce both mortality and morbidity, demonstrating that good welfare and productive outcomes are aligned in this phase.